McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo gives his honest take on the Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton rivalry taking over Formula 1 today.
Despite recently winning the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, Ricciardo has had an up and down season, accumulating tough finishes and remarkable performances altogether.
Today, the Australian sits at eighth in the driver standings of Formula 1 with 95 points. He also shed some light on watching his former teammate challenge a seven-time world champion.
Via Crash
“I think just kind of ‘may the best man win’,” Ricciardo – who partnered Verstappen at Red Bull between 2016 and 2018 – responded when asked who he would like to see win the Formula 1 world championship.
“The rivalry they’ve had this year has been pretty awesome, as a fan. I think they’ve left it all out there. So from that point of view, I think they are where they are, I think it’s fair at the moment in terms of they are nip-and-tuck. So no preference.”
As a fan of the sport, Ricciardo also explained the possible impact of Verstappen winning the title.
“I think obviously people do like to see a fresh face, so maybe Max is the more popular vote because it would be a first title for him and it’s something new and exciting for everyone. So that’s always like you’ve got that feel-good story,” the Formula 1 driver explained.
“But I think as long as no like misfortune is involved, then I think the guy that wins is the one that’s going to deserve it.”
Today, Formula 1 is fortunate to witness one of the most intense rivalries of the sport's history. With just six races to go, Verstappen has a slim six-point lead over Hamilton in the standings.
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